Dr. Anthony A. Fiorilli, of Freehold Township, a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), attended Academy 2003 Dallas, the annual AAO meeting Dec. 4-7 in Dallas. Highlights of the meeting, whose theme this year was "The Future in Sight: Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Practice," included almost 300 hours of continuing education courses, scientific presentations and an exhibit hall with more than 240 booths. More than 3,000 optometrists, vision care professionals, vision scientists and optometry students from around the world attended the meeting.
Professionals who become fellows of the academy must complete a rigorous candidacy process. Candidates must submit extensive written work and also pass an oral examination, both of which must be approved by a panel of leading optometrists and vision scientists. According to academy President Thomas L. Lewis, AAO fellows "constantly strive for the highest professional standards," and annual AAO meetings "are recognized as presenting the latest in research and information on patient and vision care."
Dr. Fiorilli, who graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park, practices in Howell and is the president of AAO’s New Jersey chapter. This year, his chapter awarded $24,250 in scholarships, endowments and grants to optometry students who reside in New Jersey.
Wegmans has for the seventh consecutive year been named to Fortune magazine’s list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For." Wegmans is ranked ninth on the 2004 list, the company’s highest ranking ever. In New Jersey, the company has stores in Bridgewater, Manalapan, Princeton and Woodbridge. Wegmans is based in Rochester, N.Y.
Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz, of the San Francisco-based Great Place to Work Institute, which researches and compiles the list, said of this year’s results, "Overall, today’s lesson is that perks are nice, but employees are looking for something more basic. They want to be told the truth, especially if the news is bad. They also want, corny as it sounds, to feel they make a difference and to be given a chance to grow."
To create the list, Levering and Moskowitz surveyed 46,526 randomly selected employees from 304 candidate companies who filled out an employee opinion survey. Nearly half also gave written comments about their workplaces. Each candidate company also filled out a questionnaire detailing its people policies, practices and philosophies. Companies were evaluated on both the employee surveys and the company questionnaires, with the employees’ opinions being given two-thirds of the total score.
Diane Bindler, a real estate sales associate at Weichert, Realtors’ Marlboro office, has been recognized with a regional award in the category of new home dollar volume for the month of November. The region is comprised of 19 offices throughout Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties. A licensed real estate professional, Bindler earned a master of business administration degree in finance from Rutgers University. The Marlboro office also was recognized with a regional award in the category of new home dollar volume.
The Marlboro-Manalapan office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage collected more than 100 coats on behalf of HomeFront, a nonprofit organization that works to end homelessness by harnessing the resources and know-how of the community. Coldwell Banker’s Howell office also participated in the event. The Marlboro-Manalapan office also conducted a food drive to benefit Open Door food pantry in Freehold.
The Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the following events:
The chamber’s 75th annual meeting and installation of officers and directors will be held Jan. 14 at noon (networking at 11:30 a.m.) at 32 West Main St., Freehold. The installation will be officiated by Monmouth County Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick. The cost is $30 per person.
The Women in Business Committee will present "Black and White Equals Green: Maximizing Press Exposure While Minimizing Costs" Jan. 22, 8:30-10 a.m., at the Cornerstone Cafe, 2 East Main St., Freehold. The cost is $20 per person and includes program and full breakfast.
"Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft and Fraud" will be presented by David Biederman of the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs Jan. 28, 8:30 a.m., at the chamber office, 17 Broad St., Freehold. The cost is $10 per person and includes continental breakfast.
For more information or to register, call (732) 462-3030; fax (732) 462-2123; e-mail [email protected]; or log on to www.wmchamber.com.
Jeff Greene, vice president of brand strategy at Red Flannel, Freehold, was elected the 40th president of the Jersey Shore Public Relations and Advertising Association during the group’s December luncheon. Greene, 31, a resident of Freehold, becomes one of the youngest presidents in the organization’s history. He previously served as first vice president and recording secretary of JSPRAA after joining the group in 1999. During the past year, Greene helped the organization nearly double in size to 240 members. JSPRAA has also enjoyed increased attendance at is monthly membership luncheons during his board tenure.
Joining Greene on the 2004 board are: Neil Solondz, Lakewood BlueClaws, as first vice president; Eric Taylor, Eric Taylor’s Empowerment Group, as second vice president; Leah McCloskey, LM Studio, as recording secretary; Chris Burns, Gravity Hill Media, as corresponding secretary; Fran Kirschner, Frantasy Enterprises, as treasurer; Priya Mattson, Priyatee Creations, as Jasper Awards chair; and Jeff Freeman, A+ Letter Service, and J. Wandres, From the Pen of J. Wandres, both as members-at-large.
Founded in 1965, the Jersey Shore Public Relations and Advertising Association sponsors the Jasper Awards and the James R. McCormick Memorial Scholarship, to honor the best marketing efforts and the brightest communications students in New Jersey.
John E. Smothers, of Freehold Township, was honored recently for his many years of service to Monmouth County. The event took place at an employees awards luncheon sponsored by the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, Smothers has been employed by the Monmouth County Library System for 30 years. Freeholder Thomas J. Powers presented Smothers with his service pin.
Maintaining its year-end practice of supporting organizations that help to enhance the quality of life for New Jersey residents, Investors Savings Bank has donated a total of $24,500 in charitable gifts to various local causes. This achievement was announced by Robert M. Cashill, president and CEO of the bank.
Among the organizations receiving a corporate donation from Investors Savings are Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel, and its Vassar Eye Center; CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township; Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune; Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood; Ocean Medical Center, Brick; Monmouth Health Care Foundation, Long Branch; Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank; and Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn.
Investors Savings Bank has 45 offices across eight New Jersey counties.